Enjoy a delightfully sweet and savory twist to this hearty staple!
Table of Contents
Shepherd’s pie originally hails from the United Kingdom, and it was definitely not a king’s meal. It was a way for poor 18th-century farmers to use leftover roasted meat. While more traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, ground beef eventually became a more popular choice and is the most common version you’ll find today.
My first experience with authentic shepherd’s pie was in a small Welsh town I visited one summer. To say it was just delicious feels almost like an insult—it was that good! Despite my best efforts, I’ve yet to mimic the dish, but I’ve paid my respects by making recipes inspired by it. And occasionally, I like to mix things up, like with this sweet potato shepherd’s pie! Substituting regular potatoes with sweet potatoes adds a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, perfect for cold nights!
Sweet potato shepherd’s pie is a comforting meal that balances the savory, seasoned beef with the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes. I especially love how the top layer of sweet potatoes gets slightly caramelized in your oven and contrasts well with the filling.
Is Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Healthy?
Compared to traditional shepherd’s pie, I’d say yes, sweet potato shepherd’s pie is a nutritious alternative! For one, sweet potatoes contain a wealth of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants. Plus, it’s gluten-free (just substitute the flour for gluten-free flour)!
If you’d like to reduce the saturated fats, I found that ground turkey or chicken are great protein swaps. For a vegetarian version, try lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Why sweet potatoes?
You’ve had sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving, right? You know, the ones with the roasted marshmallows on top? Personally, I’m not a fan of all the sugary stuff we do to the sweet potato, which is why I like to show my fellow foodies that this orange starch is much more versatile than we think. Take this recipe—the sweet potato’s natural sweetness surprisingly complements the savory beef, creating a harmonious flavor. And when mashed, the potatoes’ thick, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the hearty filling, providing a delightful contrast. So, give it a try! You might be surprised by the results.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
INSTRUCTIONS
Mash
Prepare and season sweet potato topping.
Sauté
Cook beef and vegetables with seasoning.
Assemble
Layer beef mixture and sweet potato mash in dish; bake.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
I wouldn’t make this recipe ahead, though the leftovers do heat up well, particularly in the oven! For storage, you can keep it in the baking dish and have the top wrapped in plastic. Or you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. The shepherd’s pie should be good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
Yes! They’ll give the dish a more traditional taste.
After boiling the sweet potatoes until they’re very tender, mash them real good. Then add about ¼ cup (or less) of heavy cream or milk. You can also do this with dairy-free options like coconut or oat milk.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato shepherd’s pie is a complete meal, so whatever sides you add should be on the lighter end. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts are good since they go well with the pie’s natural sweetness, or you could opt for some simple Steamed Broccoli. My personal fave is Crispy Asparagus, along with a Low-Carb Keto Green Bean Casserole.
If you’re looking for more hearty dishes like this one, try our Instant Pot Lamb Stew or these Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Potato Noodles!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, drain, and mash with butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, mixed vegetables, and tomato paste.
-
Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, cook for a minute, then add beef broth and simmer until thickened.
-
Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish, top with mashed sweet potatoes, and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
The post Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
